Turkey’s Euro 2024 Hopes Dampened as Defender Ozan Kabak Suffers Knee Ligament Injury

Turkey’s defensive line for the European Championship has been dealt a significant blow as Ozan Kabak, the 24-year-old defender, faces a spell on the sidelines after tearing a cruciate ligament in his right knee during a friendly match against Italy, the Turkish Football Association confirmed on Wednesday.

The injury occurred shortly before halftime in the friendly encounter, which ended in a goalless draw, as Kabak challenged Italy’s Mateo Retegui for possession of the ball.

With Kabak ruled out of contention for Euro 2024, Turkey faces a defensive reshuffle, as the Turkish federation opted not to name a replacement for the injured defender.

Currently plying his trade in the Bundesliga for Hoffenheim, Kabak faces a lengthy rehabilitation period, with the club indicating that he will be sidelined for “many months” as he recovers from the injury.

Hoffenheim’s managing director, Alexander Rosen, expressed regret over the unfortunate turn of events, emphasizing Kabak’s personal disappointment at missing out on the opportunity to represent Turkey on home soil at Euro 2024.

Turkey’s Euro 2024 campaign kicks off against Georgia on June 18 in Group F, followed by matches against Portugal on June 22 and the Czech Republic on June 26.